American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Ian McHarg's "Design with Nature" primarily emphasizes conservation design, advocating for planning and development that respect and integrate with natural systems. The book presents a foundational framework for considering ecological processes in landscape architecture and urban planning, arguing that human development should not only minimize environmental harm but also enhance and protect ecological health.

McHarg introduced techniques like overlay mapping, which allows planners to visualize natural features such as waterways, topography, and habitats. This method helps inform decisions that align development with the characteristics and capacities of the land, promoting sustainable practices that preserve natural resources. By focusing on how the built environment can coexist harmoniously with nature, McHarg's work has profoundly influenced modern environmental planning and landscape architecture.

While environmental education, urban aesthetics, and historical architecture each play significant roles in the broader context of planning and design, they do not capture the core principles of McHarg's philosophy. His work specifically seeks to harmonize land use and environmental integrity, establishing the importance of ecological considerations in the design process.